The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin, according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The March 1 forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin, is below normal.

Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 600,000 acre feet (AF) or 65% of the 30 year average of 926,900 AF. Approximately 450,000 AF (61% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 60,000 AF (91% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 75,000 AF (58% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 200,200 AF or 33% of average. The Bureau of Reclamation is advising North Platte Project water users that an allocation of the water supply is expected, because with the current forecast only about 78% of the irrigation demands will be met. With reservoir storage well below average and below average inflow forecasted for April through July of this year, water users will need to take measures to conserve the available water supply.

With the current forecast, river flows throughout the system are expected to be much less than average and similar to last year's flows. The Bureau of Reclamation will update the inflow forecasts again in April and May.

# # #

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR.